PANAJI
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday announced that the government has identified land for setting up a permanent campus of Goa College of Agriculture, which is likely to begin functioning in two years.
“Process of ICAR accreditation for the college is on. The government has identified land for the permanent campus and the building including other infrastructure will be ready within two years,” he said while speaking at the inaugural function of the Goa College of Agriculture in its temporary campus at Ela Farm, Old Goa.
A total of 50 students have obtained admission for the BSc in Agriculture Degree Course in its first batch as the students along with their parents were invited to the event. The CM assured the students that the college will run efficiently with all the necessary accreditations in place to enable the future graduates a success.
“Our Government will not fall short in helping the college run well,” he said adding, “We have 1.5 lakh hectares of land under agriculture. There is a need for research in the field of agriculture and we are also contemplating starting an MSc in Agriculture course, Veterinary College and a Degree in Pisciculture.”
The CM further revealed several initiatives of the government to encourage agriculture such as the Kisan Credit card facility, training centers in both districts on techniques to make fruitful use of agricultural waste products, etc. He also urged the farmers to opt for inter cropping, particularly the turmeric and other spices while urging agriculture officers to create an awareness about the new system.
Minister for Agriculture Ravi Naik, also present on the occasion said he was optimistic that no more fields and agricultural land in Goa will be converted for non-agricultural use while insisting the citizens to protect the existing land.
